Shepherdstown ushered in the Christmas season Friday evening with the official tree lighting.

As is town tradition, Mrs. Claus, Shepherdstown resident Judy Shepherd, read the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” to an audience of children and parents who gathered along German Street awaiting the arrival of Santa.

Each child was able to meet Santa up close in Shepherd University’s McMurran Hall.

Christmas in Shepherdstown events continued throughout the weekend and will continue throughout the month of December.

The annual Christmas Parade will take place this Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.

Following is the schedule of events for the upcoming events.

Friday, Dec. 5

2-5 p.m. George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War open to the public.

4 p.m. Civil War military camps set up, directed by Mike Galloway. McMurran Hall lawn.

4:30-7:30 p.m. “Christmas in Olde Shepherdstown” Dinner*. Shepherd University Dining Hall. $4-$8.50.

7 p.m. Lecture: “Churches and Slavery,” Dr. Matthew Foulds. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

7-11 p.m. Rotary Charity Gala*. Shepherdstown Fire Hall. Tickets required.

Saturday, Dec. 6

9 a.m.-6 p.m. George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War open to the public.

10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Open House and Nativity Sets Display at the New Street United Methodist Church. See church Christmas decorations and a display of nativity sets shared by the members of New Street church. The nativity sets are unique. Some are handmade, some come from world travels and others are antiques. Hot drinks and cookies served.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Roasted chestnuts*. King and German Streets.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Trinity Church Christmas Fair. Annual Cookie Walk, Craft Fair, Soup and BBQ. Trinity Episcopal Church. Corner of German and Church streets.

11 a.m. Annual Shepherdstown Christmas Parade. German Street.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum, with Santa. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open, with Santa in residence from 12:30-5 p.m. 129 East German Street.

12-4 p.m. Music: Celtic Harp with Sea Raven. On the Wings of Dreams store, 139 West German Street.

12-4 p.m. Little House. Another Shepherdstown landmark, a child-sized limestone cottage in full detail will be open. North Princess Street

12-5 p.m. Children’s activities: School of the Soldier at Civil War encampments; Toy and Game demonstrations at the Little House

12-4 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall.

1, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Live Nativity on the lawn of Trinity Episcopal Church. Corner of German and Church streets.

2 p.m. Panel Discussion: “Women in Wartime,” Byrd Auditorium, North King Street.

5:30-7:30 p.m. Art Exhibit and Reception. The Bridge Gallery, 8566 Shepherdstown Pike.

7:30- 9:30 p.m. Music: Holiday Gala Concert*, sponsored by The Friends of Music. Frank Center for the Performing Arts on Shepherd University campus. $20.

8 p.m. Contra Dance and Holiday Potluck*. Potluck starts at 6:00; beginner’s workshop at 7:30. War Memorial Building. $7-$10.

9 p.m. Music: Opera House Holiday Party* featuring Lisa Lafferty and the Giant Souls with the Outpatients. Opera House.

Sunday, Dec. 7

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shepherdstown Farmers Market. King Street behind Library.

11 a.m. Annual Jingle Bell Jog. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. At the Shepherd University Wellness Center. Bring new and unwrapped toys for children between the ages of kindergarten and 5th grade.

12-4 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall.

1-4 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open. 129 East German Street.

2-4 p.m. Music: Annual Christmas Sing-Along at O’Hurley’s General Store. All are invited either to sing or just to listen. East Washington Street.

3- 4:30 p.m. Music: Holiday Gala Concert*, sponsored by The Friends of Music. Frank Center for the Performing Arts on Shepherd University campus. $20.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

6:30-9 p.m. Shepherdstown Community Club Annual Holiday Dinner* with the Village Brass Quartet. War Memorial Building. Reservations required. Call 304-702-3026.

Third Weekend

“Celebrating James Rumsey and the late 18th Century in Shepherd’s Town.” See the replica of James Rumsey’s steamboat, take a guided tour to Rumsey Monument and visit the Tobacco Warehouse and much more.

Friday, Dec. 12

7:30 p.m. Music: Free Holiday Concert with the Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra. Reynolds Hall.

Saturday, Dec 13

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open. 129 East German Street

12-4 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall.

12-4 p.m. Little House. Another Shepherdstown landmark, a child-sized limestone cottage in full detail will be open. North Princess Street.

12-5 p.m. Roasted chestnuts*. King and German streets.

1 p.m. Star Wars Night at The Opera House*. Photo ops, face painting, door prizes, trivia prizes plus some other Star Wars style treats and the classic movie. Benefit for Toys for Tots. 131 W German Street. $5 donation or new toy.

2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nutcracker Ballet*, performed by The Shepherdstown School of Dance. Frank Center for the Performing Arts on Shepherd University campus. $15-$20.

2:30 p.m. Special Holiday Story Time with Ms. Lilly and Friends, sponsored by the Shepherdstown Public Library. Cookies, hot cocoa and cider served. Train Station.

3-4 p.m. Music: Harp Music. Four Seasons Book Store. 116 W German Street.

Sunday, Dec. 14

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shepherdstown Farmers Market. King Street behind Library.

12-4 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall.

1-3 p.m. Music: Choral Arts Society of Frederick strolling the streets.

1-4 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open. 129 East German Street.

2 p.m. Rumsey Steamboat “Walk and Talk.” Local historian Nick Blanton will lead a walk from the Historic Shepherdstown Museum to the Rumsey Monument, along the way reviewing the history of James Rumsey’s 1787 steamboat experiments in Shepherdstown.

2 p.m. Nutcracker Ballet*, performed by The Shepherdstown School of Dance. Frank Center for the Performing Arts on Shepherd University campus. $15-$20.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

8 p.m. Music: Irish Christmas in America*. Reynolds Hall, 109 North King Street. $10-$25.

Fourth Weekend

“Christmas in Mecklenburg” weekend. Enjoy re-enactors from the 18th Century strolling through town.

Saturday, Dec. 20

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open. 129 East German Street

12-2 p.m. Little House. Another Shepherdstown landmark, a child-sized limestone cottage in full detail will be open. North Princess Street.

12-4 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall.

1 p.m. Music: Tuba Christmas! Reynolds Hall. 109 North King Street.

1-3 p.m. Music: Choral Arts Society of Frederick strolling the street.

Sunday, Dec. 21

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shepherdstown Farmers Market. King Street behind Library.

10 a.m. Sunday worship service with Christmas Music Program by the Children’s Choir and Chancel Choir. New Street Methodist Church. All welcome. Fellowship Hour follows with refreshments.

12-12:30 p.m. Music: Winter Solstice Crystal Bowl Concert. Harmony Healing Arts, 211 New Street.

12-4 p.m. Carriage rides. Pick up in front of Town Hall.

1-4 p.m. Historic Shepherdstown Museum. One of Shepherdstown’s major historic icons will be open. 129 East German Street.